Taif Airport: a quieter gateway to Makkah
Some pilgrims and visitors fly into Taif International Airport instead of Jeddah, either because there is a convenient flight from their city or because they want a day or two in Taif’s milder climate before going down to Makkah. Taif and Makkah are about 90 km apart, and the airport sits outside Taif itself, which adds a little more time. At Mishwar Al Haramain we arrange a private car that waits for you at the airport and takes you down to Makkah.
Two roads down to Makkah
Two main roads link Taif and Makkah: the Al Hada mountain road with its well-known hairpin bends, and the As-Sayl al-Kabir road, a little longer and easier to drive. The driver chooses based on the time and road conditions, since the Al Hada road is sometimes closed for maintenance or weather. If you prefer one of them, tell us when booking.
Ihram: do not forget this step
For Umrah travellers coming from the Taif side, the miqat is Qarn al-Manazil. Today people enter ihram at the miqat mosque in As-Sayl al-Kabir or at the Wadi Muharram mosque on the Al Hada road, depending on which road the driver takes. You can change into ihram clothes before your flight or at the airport and then make your intention at the miqat. Tell us in advance that you want to stop so we can allow time, and keep your ihram clothes in your hand luggage.
How the pickup works
- Send your flight number, arrival time and Makkah hotel on WhatsApp.
- We track the flight. If it is late, the driver waits accordingly.
- The driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, and you get 60 minutes of free waiting after landing.
- You head to the miqat and then to your Makkah hotel or the nearest point cars may reach.
Fare
Taif routes do not have fixed figures in our published fare table. We confirm the fare for each trip on WhatsApp before you book. The same rules always apply: the fare is for the whole car, not per passenger, it is fixed before the trip, and you pay on arrival with no prepayment for normal bookings.
Choosing the vehicle
| Category | Suits |
|---|---|
| Sedan | One or two pilgrims with light luggage |
| Family SUV/Van | Families and small groups, and more comfortable on the winding Al Hada road |
| VIP | Those wanting a higher category |
More on the fleet page.
If you want to stay in Taif first
You can book the airport run to your Taif hotel, then a separate trip to Makkah another day. That trip is covered on Taif to Makkah taxi, and rides around the city on Taif taxi.
To book
Message WhatsApp +966582918075 with your flight number and date, your Makkah hotel, the number of passengers and bags, and whether you want a miqat stop.
Taif Airport to Makkah questions
Which is better, Al Hada or As-Sayl?
Al Hada is shorter but mountainous with many bends, while As-Sayl is a little longer and easier. The driver picks the better option at the time of your trip, and you can ask for one.
Can I put on ihram on the plane?
You can get ready and wear ihram clothes before take-off, with the intention made at the miqat or before passing it. If unsure, ask someone knowledgeable you trust.
Do you also drive from Makkah to Taif Airport for departures?
Yes. Send your flight time and we will suggest when to leave. See also Makkah to Taif.